This Easy Vegan Walnut Soda Bread Recipe will Impress your Guests

I took inspiration for this soda bread recipe from Nadiya Hussain’s TV show when she made her version of soda bread. She used butter milk, so I thought a vegan version was off the menu, but like most things you can easily make buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon juice to unsweetened soya milk.

For this soda bread recipe, I used spelt flour for extra nutrients and added some amazing turmeric and walnuts to make it a superfood bread. This soda bread is so easy and quick, no need to knead or let it rise in a warm place. A rustic, healthy bread, ready in half and hour from the oven.

TOP TIP: You want the dough to not stick to your hands when you shape it into a ball. Add a sprinkle of flour if the mixture is too sticky and work it into the dough until your fingers are fairly clean.

Method

For the Buttermilk

Add the vinegar/ lemon juice to the milk and mix in for a few seconds. Leave to one side for 5-10 minutes. This will let it curdle slightly (buttermilk).

Mix the flour with the salt and baking soda. Now add the turmeric and walnuts and mix again then add the buttermilk and stir in with a wooden spoon.

Once the dough comes together use your hands and shape into a ball (add more flour if dough is too sticky). Place the ball onto a baking mat or greased oven tin and with a large knife cut a cross in the centre (cutting right to the bottom).

Pop in the oven in the middle shelf for half an hour. Remove from the oven and the bread should sound hollow when you tap the base.

Leave to cool on a wire rack and enjoy warm. Great with houmous or dipped into a hearty soup.

Aaron Calder is a successful vegan social influencer and posts his daily meals to inspire others to go vegan. He has appeared in Vegan Food and Living Magazine, was a finalist in PETA'S great vegan bake off 2017. He creates healthy, meals, desserts & treats and can be found on the following links.